A new organization plans to repair, maintain and preserve the 1794 Van Wyck-Lefferts tide-powered grist mill in Huntington, N.Y., and make the mill accessible to the public. Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill Sanctuary, Inc., just acquired a 17-acre parcel that includes the mill, and the mission of the new not-for-profit is “to promote responsible public access and enjoyment of the Van Wyck-Lefferts Tide Mill and the Mill Cove Waterfowl Sanctuary,” according to a January 20 announcement.
The announcement reports that the new organization has already requested permits for “a substantial dam repair project” and is developing a long-range plan for preserving and maintaining the mill and dam. Dam repairs are expected to start this spring. The new owner will also partner with the Huntington Historical Society to conduct tours and other public education activities.
The Van Wyck-Lefferts tide mill is the best preserved 18th century tidal gristmill in the country known to remain in its original location. Tide Mill Institute records indicate that it is one of only two remaining U.S. tide mills with gears, millstones and equipment. (The other is Poplar Grove Mill in Mathews County, Va.)
The adjacent pond will remain a sanctuary for resident and migratory waterfowl.
The pond, dam and tide mill had been owned by The Nature Conservancy since 1969, when the property was donated by local residents who wanted to protect the site. Over the years, the Conservancy has invested private and public funds in repair and restoration.
More information:
Ownership transfer announcement
Van Wyck-Lefferts tide mill history
Click image to enlarge
Satellite view – Van Wyck-Lefferts mill and dam (Google Earth). 
Mill building as it looks today. 
Tour group views mill interior. 
Existing gears and other working parts of shown with dark lines in 1975 HABS-HAER drawing. 
Wooden wallower still in place today.
Dear Van Wyck – Lefferts Mill,
We are very pleased that you are preserving this important historic mill site. Keep moving forward. Gerry De Muro -Northern Heritage Mills – Board Chair
This mill is one of a few truly remarkable and genuine historical assets of the Huntington community. It is wonderful that it will be preserved for many generations to come. If you have not had a chance to visit the Mill on the Huntington Historical Society tour, you must. It is an educational and enlightening experience. Once you set foot off the transport boat, you literally step back in history. This is wonderful news and as a Huntington resident yet another wonderful effort to preserve and restore our area’s rich past.